Chapter 15: Warmth Between Worlds

1.

I checked my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my outfit.

“…This should be fine, right?”

I fidgeted with my hair, gazing ahead. The mirror showed a shyly smiling beauty.

Even as a guy, I never cared much about clothes—how would I know anything about women’s fashion?

I just picked something that looked decent, and it turned out pretty good.

‘This face really pulls its weight.’

With a face and figure like this, even casual clothes made me look like a model. Good enough.

I brushed my hair quickly and headed for the elevator.

“Oh, hello.”

Inside was a familiar older woman, someone I’d exchanged greetings with before.

“You’re the girl from 1402, right?”

As soon as I stepped in, she spoke as if she’d been waiting.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Got a date today? Your outfit’s different from what I’ve seen you in. And you’re wearing some makeup~”

“No, no date. I’m not into that stuff.”

I waved my hands. Dating a guy? I couldn’t even imagine it.

“Then what’s the occasion?”

“I’m meeting family after a long time, so I dressed up. How do I look? Okay?”

“Much better! You always seemed like a nice girl, but you’re stunning all dolled up. Just gorgeous.”

“T-Thank you.”

I smiled awkwardly and bowed. The compliments boosted my confidence.

“I’ll head out first.”

The elevator doors opened, revealing bright sunlight and a clear sky.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

I stepped out with a lively bounce, ready to meet my sister after a year apart.

2.

In a small coffee shop in the neighborhood, a woman in an oversized hoodie and long skirt sat in a corner, cautiously sipping milk.

‘This should be okay, right?’

Seoyoon checked her outfit.

A hoodie and long skirt—ordinary to others, but she’d spent over an hour picking it out.

She’d never cared much about clothes, and after Siwoo disappeared, she stopped entirely.

This was the best she could find in her closet.

‘It’ll be fine.’

Feeling uneasy, she shook her head and tried to think of something else.

‘What’s he like now…?’

Meeting her sibling after a year was surreal.

She thought Siwoo was dead, and now he was not only alive but a girl.

It was shocking, but she felt a spark of anticipation.

Maybe as a girl, Siwoo would be a bit clingy.

‘He was so cute as a kid…’

He’d share every detail of his school day, chattering with “Noona, guess what…” and those big, round eyes.

So adorable, so lovable—Siwoo never knew.

‘Just listening to him made my worries and exhaustion melt away.’

By middle school, he stopped, probably to ease her burden.

‘It wasn’t necessary.’

Taking care of him wasn’t easy—she was young too. But it wasn’t all hardship.

She didn’t see it as sacrifice. It was her choice, not forced.

She didn’t expect repayment.

As long as Siwoo smiled and lived well, that was enough.

Ding-a-ling—

As Seoyoon sipped her milk, lost in thought, the shop’s bell chimed.

Her gaze drifted to the woman who entered, and she couldn’t help but gasp.

‘She’s beautiful…’

Sharp, neatly trimmed bob hair. Calm chestnut eyes.

Serene gaze, skin pale as if untouched by sunlight.

Not fierce, but her aura was somehow sharp.

The stranger scanned the café. Seoyoon, staring openly, locked eyes with her.

“Oh.”

Was I too obvious? About to bow apologetically, the woman’s eyes curved like a bow, softening.

“Noona!”

Her radiant smile was mesmerizing. Truly stunning.

‘Wait, Noona?’

Snapping out of it, Seoyoon processed the word.

That captivating smile and a word rare from a woman’s lips.

As her brain nearly short-circuited, the woman—her sibling—rushed over and hugged her.

“Haa…”

She smelled warm and soft.

As Seoyoon inhaled, her sibling buried their face in her shoulder, mirroring her.

“I missed you, Noona.”

The trembling voice and body made Seoyoon gently stroke her sibling’s back.

“Yeah. I missed you too, Siwoo.”

He’d fought a Demon King with heroes in another world, but Siwoo was still a soft kid.

Seoyoon’s lips curved up.

Across from her, Siwoo—now Hayul—grinned broadly, staring at Seoyoon. It felt a bit overwhelming.

“…Why’re you staring like that?”

“I’m just happy. I’ve been waiting for this moment. Aren’t you happy, Noona…?”

Looking like a sulky puppy, Hayul made Seoyoon hurriedly explain.

“Of course I’m happy! My sibling I thought was dead is back—how could I not be? I’m not that kind of person!”

“Then why’re you acting like that…”

“It’s just a bit awkward. The human connection, and… your appearance.”

“Oh, fair…”

Hayul scratched her cheek, smiling sheepishly.

“But you seem a bit off too, Noona.”

“Huh? How? I’m the same as a year ago.”

“No way.”

She shook her head firmly.

“You’re different from head to toe.”

“Like what?”

“You’re too thin. Are you eating properly?”

“When you were around, I ate regularly, but after you disappeared, barely. Convenience store bentos or takeout sometimes.”

“Do you know how bad takeout is? Greasy! Full of sugar or salt! And who knows how it’s made!”

Hayul snapped, and Seoyoon lowered her head, apologizing.

“S-Sorry…”

“How much do you sleep?”

“About six hours…”

“I told you at least seven! No wonder your skin’s rough and you’ve got dark circles!”

Hayul raised her voice again.

“S-Sorry… After you disappeared, I could barely sleep alone… Even with meds…”

“You got meds from a psychiatrist?”

“Yeah…”

“Good. Going to the hospital when you’re sick is right.”

Hayul’s warm words made Seoyoon smile.

“How’s the house?”

“W-Well…”

Gulp gulp—

Hayul suddenly chugged her coffee in one go.

“W-What’s wrong?”

“Noona, get up.”

“Huh? Why?”

“I’m checking the state of your house.”

“It’s clean! You don’t need to worry!”

Seoyoon shook her head desperately. The house was a mess.

“Liar. Even when we lived together, you never put things back. Underwear and socks on the floor. Never sorted recycling properly!”

“T-That’s true, but…”

“You think I’d believe you kept the house clean after I was gone? Get up.”

Hayul stepped closer, linking arms and pulling her up.

‘She was all smiles like a golden retriever just a moment ago…’

Why’d she turn into a Doberman?

“Pfft…”

“Don’t try to laugh it off. I’m not letting this slide today.”

“I know, I know… sob…”

“Why’re you crying? Noona? Did I do something? I’m sorry…”

Seeing Seoyoon’s tears, Hayul panicked.

Seoyoon shook her head, smiling.

“I’m just happy. So happy. After you were gone, I always wished for moments like this. To have it again… I’m overjoyed…”

You only realize how precious ordinary days are after they’re gone.

“…Me too.”

Hayul hugged her tightly. They shared warmth, holding each other.

As the tears subsided, Seoyoon loosened her grip.

As she started to pull away, Hayul hugged her even tighter.

‘Is she being clingy?’

Seoyoon smiled softly.

“Noona, crying won’t get you out of this. I’m checking the house.”

“…Tch.”

“Did you just click your tongue? I heard that!”

“N-No, I didn’t!”

“This won’t do. We’re going. Get up. I’m inspecting how you’re living.”

“Fine…”

Seoyoon stood weakly.

They thanked the café owner and stepped onto the street.

“Still drinking milk at cafés, huh? You said coffee makes you sick from drinking it at work.”

“You remembered that?”

“How could I forget?”

“Don’t feel too guilty. Cherishing you, giving up college—it was all my choice.”

“I know. But I’m going to repay you. It’s my choice, so don’t feel burdened.”

Hearing her own words echoed back, Seoyoon let out a small laugh.

“An isekai trip turned you into a smooth talker, huh?”

“You don’t know how much flak I got there for saying the wrong thing.”

Arm in arm, they headed home. It wasn’t their old place, but it didn’t matter. Family was there.

‘Something feels off, though…’

Seoyoon felt a slight unease but brushed it off as Hayul chatted beside her.

She didn’t realize how the online community was ablaze or that some were even considering calling the police.